As Atletico Madrid prepares to host Osasuna in their penultimate La Liga match on Sunday evening, all eyes are on Diego Simeone's squad to see if they can extend their winning streak to five matches.
This preview delves into the form, team news, and potential lineups, culminating in a prediction for the highly anticipated clash.
Current Form
Atletico
Atletico Madrid are currently fourth in the La Liga table, having secured a spot in next season's Champions League.
With 73 points, they trail third-placed Girona by just two points, making a top-three finish a tangible goal.
The team has been impressive lately, with four consecutive league victories against Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca, Celta Vigo, and Getafe.
Their only recent setback was a 2-0 loss to Alaves. At home, Atletico boasts the second-best record in La Liga this season, garnering 49 points from 18 matches and achieving 16 wins.
Osasuna
In contrast, Osasuna sits in 13th place with 41 points from 36 matches.
They are on a six-game winless streak, with their latest results being draws against Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca.
Jagoba Arrasate's team has struggled recently, securing only one victory in their last nine league games.
Despite this, Osasuna can still finish as high as 10th in the league, although they could also drop closer to the relegation zone.
Team News
Atletico
Team news reveals that Atletico will miss Nahuel Molina, Thomas Lemar, and Marcos Paulo due to injuries.
However, the rest of the squad is fit, with Saul Niguez potentially returning to the starting lineup.
Antoine Griezmann, fresh off a hat-trick, is expected to lead the attack alongside Angel Correa.
Osasuna
Osasuna will be without Kike Barja due to a long-term knee injury, while David Garcia is a doubt with a muscular problem.
Pablo Ibanez returns from suspension and is likely to feature in the starting XI, with Ante Budimir expected to play after recovering from a hip issue.
Prediction
Given Atletico's strong home form and Osasuna's recent struggles, a 2-0 victory for Atletico Madrid is our prediction.
FAQ
When and where is the match between Atletico Madrid and Osasuna? The match will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 6 pm UK time at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano.
What is the current form of Atletico Madrid? Atletico Madrid are in excellent form, having won their last four consecutive league matches. They are currently fourth in the La Liga table and have already secured a spot in next season's Champions League.
How has Osasuna been performing recently? Osasuna is on a six-game winless streak, with their latest results being draws against Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca. They are currently 13th in the La Liga table.
What are the significant team news updates for Atletico Madrid? Atletico Madrid will be without Nahuel Molina, Thomas Lemar, and Marcos Paulo due to injuries. Saul Niguez might return to the starting lineup, and Antoine Griezmann, who scored a hat-trick in the last match, will lead the attack alongside Angel Correa.
Are there any notable absences in the Osasuna squad? Kike Barja is out with a long-term knee injury, and David Garcia is doubtful due to a muscular problem. Pablo Ibanez returns from suspension and is expected to feature in the starting XI, with Ante Budimir also likely to play after recovering from a hip issue.
What is the head-to-head record between Atletico Madrid and Osasuna? Atletico Madrid has been dominant against Osasuna, winning their last 11 encounters in La Liga. Osasuna's last victory over Atletico Madrid was 10 years ago.
What is the predicted outcome of the match? Based on current form and historical performance, Atletico Madrid is expected to win 2-0 against Osasuna.
How has Atletico Madrid performed at home this season? Atletico Madrid has the second-best home record in La Liga this season, with 49 points from 18 matches and 16 wins.
What is at stake for both teams in this match? Atletico Madrid aims to secure a top-three finish in La Liga, while Osasuna seeks to end their winless streak and potentially move up to 10th place in the league.
Osasuna 
